— Vow To Resist Violation Of Supreme Court Judgement
Ohaji-Egbema Youth Movement (OEYM) has strongly rebutted recent claims made by Barrister (Prince) Macon Nlemigbo regarding ownership of a disputed parcel of land in Nkaraha, Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
In a statement issued by Comrade Gerald Ukah,
President, Ohaji-Egbema Youth Movement (OEYM), he accused Nlemigbo of making false and misleading assertions in what they described as a “desperate land-grabbing enterprise.”
OEYM, described the organization as a legitimate socio-political youth body recognized in Imo State, with a structured leadership and a constitutionally guided mission focused on justice, youth development, and land rights advocacy.
At the center of the controversy is a portion of the Ogburuzo Ogwu Palm Plantation, which the group says was the subject of a legal dispute conclusively settled by the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2013 (Suit No: SC/250/2005). According to OEYM, the judgment affirmed Mr. Matthew Akpelu as the rightful owner of the land, effectively nullifying any counter-claims.
“The Supreme Court ruling is final and binding. No individual or corporate entity can override that judgment,” Ukah stated. “Prince Nlemigbo’s claim that the land is unrelated to the judgment is deceptive, especially since the land he references lies within the boundaries already adjudicated upon.”
OEYM further criticized Nlemigbo’s assertion that he acquired the land through a federal privatization process, calling such claims “legally defective.” The group pointed out that, under Nigeria’s Land Use Act of 1978, land is held in trust by state governments, which alone have the authority to allocate land through Certificates of Occupancy.
“The Federal Government or its agencies cannot transfer land they never validly acquired. Any transaction that bypasses state authorities is null and void,” the statement added.
Reacting to what it described as “diversionary tactics,” OEYM condemned the use of personal attacks and alleged spiritual insinuations by Nlemigbo, insisting that such methods distract from the real legal issues.
They also asserted that the Nkaraha community remains united in its opposition to what they described as an “attempted land grab,” noting that the intervention of Governor Hope Uzodimma had helped restore order and introduced legitimate developers through proper channels.
OEYM further called on law enforcement agencies to investigate the legality of the land acquisition by PADUA Investment Limited, allegedly associated with Nlemigbo, and determine whether any forged or backdated documents were involved. They also demanded prosecution of any individuals found to be in contempt of court or involved in fraudulent activities related to the land.
“The law is clear, the people are resolute, and justice will prevail,” the OEYM president concluded.
